An organization that helps support many non-profits in central New York is putting aside a fund for Black-led nonprofit organizations, and for projects that counteract systemic racism.
The Central New York Community Foundation will set aside $1 million over the next few years through a new Black Equity and Excellence funding priority.
Foundation President Peter Dunn says as a civic leader for central New York, his organization needs to take action, in the wake of recent racial tragedies and discussions of systemic racism.
"A lot of the organizations that have served the Black community have been underinvested in in terms of philanthropic support, or don’t have broad donor networks," Dunn said. "Some have government contracts, some don’t. But in all cases they could use additional support to build their capacity and ability to improve the community."
Dunn said the idea is not to make it overly complicated.
"We’re asking organizations to submit a letter of intent. So we’re not asking them to fill out a crazy application," he said. "And really to document ideas and ways they can have impact or we can support their work. That will be over the summer, and we’ll bring those ideas to our board in the fall."
The Community Foundation will also work with The Race Matters Institute and the Association of Black Foundation Executives to conduct training with foundation employees.
